Restore Your Van’s Performance and Reliability
Is your 2016 Chevy Express 2500 Van suddenly stalling, refusing to start, or running rough with the Check Engine Light glaring at you? As a technician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen these exact symptoms countless times. Often, the root cause isn’t a faulty sensor or a bad wire; it’s the Engine Control Module (ECM), the vehicle’s central computer. When the ECM fails, it can cause a cascade of frustrating and costly problems, keeping your workhorse off the road and costing you money.
This isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a complete solution. We are providing a genuine GM Engine Control Module, part number 12692200, that comes fully programmed to your van’s specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This critical step ensures perfect communication between the ECM and all other vehicle systems. We install the latest factory software updates from GM, which often correct underlying drivability and performance issues that your old module never could. This means you get a part that performs better than the original one did when it was new.
A Technician’s Notebook: The Intermittent Stall Case
I once had a fleet customer with a 2016 Express 3500 work van (which uses this same ECM) that had a maddening intermittent stall. It would only happen after an hour of driving in city traffic. No specific codes were stored, just a generic U0100 ‘Lost Communication with ECM/PCM’ that would appear and then clear itself. The shop had already replaced the fuel pump and crankshaft position sensor with no success. When it got to my bay, I monitored live data and saw the ECM’s internal temperature readings spike just before it would cut out. The module was failing under heat soak. We installed one of these VIN-programmed ECMs, and the van has been a reliable part of their fleet ever since. Sometimes, the simplest solution is the right one.
Is Your Van Exhibiting These ECM Failure Signs?
A failing ECM can manifest in various ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a faulty engine computer is a likely culprit:
- ✔ Check Engine Light is on with communication or internal processor codes (e.g., U0100, P0601, P0606).
- ✔ The engine cranks but refuses to start.
- ✔ Unexplained drops in fuel economy.
- ✔ The vehicle stalls unexpectedly while driving or at idle.
- ✔ Rough or erratic engine performance and shifting.
- ✔ Failure to pass an emissions test.
- ✔ Other modules on the vehicle cannot communicate with the engine computer.
A Straightforward Guide to Installation
Installing your new 2016 Express 2500 Van ECM is a manageable job for a DIYer or any professional mechanic. Our pre-programming service eliminates the need for expensive dealer tools.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s battery before starting any electrical work.
- Locate the ECM: On the 2016 Express Van, the ECM is typically located in the left-hand (driver’s side) rear of the engine compartment.
- Disconnect and Remove: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors. They have locking tabs that need to be released. Once disconnected, unbolt the old module from its mounting bracket.
- Install the New ECM: Mount the new module securely onto the bracket and reconnect the electrical connectors, ensuring they click firmly into place.
- Reconnect Battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal.
- Perform Relearn Procedure: You will need to perform a security relearn, often called a Passlock or Passkey relearn. This typically involves turning the key to the ‘ON’ position for 10-15 minutes, then ‘OFF’ for 10 seconds, and repeating this sequence three times. This allows the anti-theft system to recognize the new ECM. Your van should then start and run correctly.
Verified Vehicle Compatibility
This engine control module is a direct fit for a wide range of General Motors vehicles. While this listing is for the 2016 Express 2500 Van ECM, it also replaces part numbers 12668866, 12668994, 12643636, 12663405, 12670335, and 22819494. It is compatible with the following models and options:
- ✔ Chevrolet Cruze (2012-2016)
- ✔ Chevrolet Sonic (2012-2016)
- ✔ Chevrolet Trax (2013-2016)
- ✔ Chevrolet Spark (2014-2015)
- ✔ Chevrolet Volt (2011-2015)
- ✔ Chevrolet ELR (2014-2016)
- ✔ Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 (2012-2016) w/ 6.0L
- ✔ Chevrolet Express 2500/3500 Van (2016) w/ 4.8L or 6.0L
- ✔ GMC Savana 2500/3500 Van (2016) w/ 4.8L or 6.0L
- ✔ GMC Sierra 2500/3500 & Denali (2012-2016) w/ 6.0L
- ✔ Chevrolet Suburban 3500 (2016)
- ✔ Buick Encore (2013-2016)
Please provide your VIN upon checkout to ensure we program the correct software for your specific vehicle and options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need my VIN?
Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) allows us to program the ECM with the exact software calibration and updates specified by GM for your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and options. This ensures seamless integration and optimal performance, eliminating the need for a dealer visit.
Is this a plug-and-play part?
Almost. Because we pre-program it to your VIN, it will not require any special scan tools for setup. However, you will need to perform a simple ‘Security Relearn Procedure’ using only your ignition key, which takes about 30 minutes. We include instructions for this process.
Will this fix my ‘No Start’ problem?
If the ‘no start’ condition is caused by a failed ECM, then yes, this part is the correct solution. Common signs of an ECM-related no-start include the engine cranking normally but not firing, or a lack of communication with a scan tool.
What if my part number is slightly different?
This module, 12692200, supersedes and replaces several older part numbers, including 12668866, 12643636, and others listed above. As long as your vehicle is on our compatibility list, this module will function correctly once programmed to your VIN.